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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Bacitracin Zinc
Generic Name
First Aid Antibiotic
Active Ingredient
BacitracinCategory
Aminoglycoside Antibacterial [EPC]
Variants
4
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Bacitracin Zinc, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 500 [USP'U]/g | OINTMENT | TOPICAL | 21922-091 |
Detailed information about Bacitracin Zinc
Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic used primarily for the prevention and treatment of localized skin and eye infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and is available in topical, ophthalmic, and injectable forms.
For topical use, healthcare providers generally recommend applying a small amount (approximately the size of a fingertip) to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily. The area may be covered with a sterile bandage if necessary. For ophthalmic (eye) use, the standard dose is usually a small ribbon of ointment applied to the affected eye every 3 to 4 hours, or as directed by an ophthalmologist.
In children, topical Bacitracin is used similarly to adults for minor skin injuries. For intramuscular use in infants (specifically for staphylococcal pneumonia), the dosage is strictly weight-based: infants under 2.5 kg typically receive 900 units/kg/24 hours in divided doses, while those over 2.5 kg may receive 1,000 units/kg/24 hours. This must only be performed in a hospital setting.
For systemic (IM) administration, Bacitracin is highly nephrotoxic (poisonous to kidneys). If used, extreme caution and frequent monitoring of renal function are required. No specific adjustments are needed for topical use unless applied to massive areas of broken skin.
No dosage adjustments are typically required for patients with liver disease, as the drug is primarily cleared by the kidneys.
Elderly patients may have age-related declines in kidney function. If systemic Bacitracin is used, healthcare providers will monitor creatinine clearance closely.
For topical ointment, clean the affected area before application. Do not use the ointment over large areas of the body or on deep puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns without consulting a doctor. For the eye ointment, avoid touching the tube tip to any surface, including the eye itself, to prevent contamination.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply double the amount to catch up.
Topical overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity. However, if the medication is swallowed, contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of systemic (IM) overdose include severe nephrotoxicity, evidenced by oliguria (reduced urine output) or azotemia (buildup of nitrogen waste).
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
When used topically, Bacitracin is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effect is localized skin irritation, which may present as mild redness, itching, or a burning sensation at the site of application. These symptoms are usually transient and resolve once the medication is discontinued.
Allergic contact dermatitis (a skin rash caused by an immune response) occurs in a small percentage of patients. This may manifest as a persistent, itchy rash that spreads slightly beyond the area of application. If the rash worsens or does not improve, it may indicate a sensitization to the drug.
Systemic absorption from topical use is rare but can lead to more widespread hives (urticaria). In ophthalmic use, patients may experience temporary blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light immediately after application.
Bacitracin should only be used for the purpose it was prescribed. Topical formulations are for external use only and should never be ingested or used in the eyes (unless it is the specific ophthalmic formulation).
Nephrotoxicity Warning: According to the FDA-approved label for Bacitracin for injection, its use is associated with significant kidney damage. This is particularly dangerous for infants and patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Daily urinalysis and blood chemistry (BUN and Creatinine) are mandatory during systemic treatment.
When Bacitracin is administered systemically (IM), it must never be used with other nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) drugs. This includes Aminoglycosides (such as streptomycin, neomycin, or kanamycin). The combination significantly increases the risk of permanent kidney failure and neuromuscular blockade (respiratory paralysis).
Bacitracin is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. This means animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, and it is not known whether Bacitracin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Topical use is generally considered low-risk due to minimal absorption, but it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether Bacitracin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Bacitracin is administered to a nursing woman. For topical use, ensure the medication is not applied to the breast area where the infant might ingest it.
Topical Bacitracin is widely used and generally safe in children for minor injuries. The systemic (IM) use is specifically indicated for infants with staphylococcal pneumonia and empyema, but it requires intensive hospital monitoring due to the high risk of renal toxicity in neonates.
Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It specifically targets the cycle of the C55-isoprenyl pyrophosphate (also known as bactoprenol) carrier molecule. By binding to this lipid carrier, Bacitracin prevents the enzymatic dephosphorylation required to regenerate the carrier for subsequent rounds of peptidoglycan transport. This halts the assembly of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell death.
Bacitracin is primarily bactericidal against Gram-positive bacteria. Its effect is concentration-dependent at the site of infection. For topical application, it provides high local concentrations that far exceed the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for most Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Negligible (Topical); 100% (IM) |
Common questions about Bacitracin Zinc
Bacitracin is primarily used as a topical antibiotic to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. It is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, which are the most common cause of skin infections. Additionally, specialized ophthalmic formulations are used to treat superficial infections of the eye. In very rare and specific hospital cases, it may be injected intramuscularly to treat staphylococcal pneumonia in infants. However, for most people, it is a first-aid staple found in over-the-counter ointments.
The most common side effects of topical Bacitracin are localized and mild, including skin redness, itching, or a slight burning sensation at the application site. These symptoms usually disappear shortly after the medication is stopped. Some individuals may develop allergic contact dermatitis, which is a more persistent itchy rash. If you notice the rash spreading or becoming severe, you should stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider. Serious systemic side effects are extremely rare when the drug is used only on the skin.
There are no known direct drug-alcohol interactions for topical or ophthalmic Bacitracin. Because the drug is not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts when applied to the skin, alcohol does not interfere with its mechanism. However, if you are being treated for a systemic infection or have a severe wound, alcohol consumption is generally discouraged as it can impair the body's immune response and slow the healing process. Always follow the specific advice of your doctor regarding lifestyle choices during infection recovery.
Bacitracin is categorized by the FDA as Pregnancy Category C, meaning there is limited data from human studies regarding its safety during pregnancy. Most experts believe that topical application to small areas of the skin poses minimal risk because very little of the drug reaches the bloodstream. However, it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh any theoretical risks to the developing fetus. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using any antibiotic, including over-the-counter ointments. Systemic (injected) Bacitracin is generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
When used for minor skin infections, Bacitracin begins working to kill bacteria almost immediately upon contact. You may notice an improvement in the appearance of the wound, such as reduced redness or swelling, within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. It is important to continue applying the medication for the full duration recommended by your doctor, even if the wound looks better sooner. If the infection does not show signs of improvement within 7 days, you should seek medical attention. Persistent infections may require a different type of antibiotic or professional wound care.
For topical use on minor cuts, you can generally stop using Bacitracin once the skin has healed or as directed by your healthcare provider. Unlike oral antibiotics, there is no 'withdrawal' syndrome associated with stopping topical Bacitracin. However, stopping treatment too early for an active infection may allow the remaining bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to a recurrence of the infection. If you are using it for a specific medical condition, always finish the course prescribed by your doctor. If you experience an allergic reaction, you should stop the medication immediately.
If you miss a dose of Bacitracin ointment, simply apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular routine. You should not apply a double amount of ointment to make up for the missed application, as this does not increase efficacy and may increase the risk of skin irritation. Consistency is key to maintaining a constant antibacterial barrier over the wound. Setting a reminder on your phone can help you stay on track with the 1-3 times daily schedule.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Bacitracin causes weight gain. This medication is an antibiotic, not a hormone or a metabolic modifier, and when used topically, it does not enter the systemic circulation in significant amounts. Even in rare cases of systemic (injected) use, weight gain is not a recognized side effect. If you experience unexplained weight gain while using this or any other medication, it is likely due to other factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. You should not avoid using necessary antibiotics due to concerns about weight.
Topical Bacitracin has very few interactions with other medications because it stays on the surface of the skin. However, you should avoid applying other skin products, such as cosmetics, lotions, or other medicated creams, to the same area at the same time unless directed by a doctor. If Bacitracin is used systemically (by injection), it can have dangerous interactions with other drugs that damage the kidneys, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of all medications, including supplements and over-the-counter products, before starting treatment.
Yes, Bacitracin is widely available as a generic medication and is often the active ingredient in many store-brand 'First Aid' or 'Antibiotic' ointments. Because it has been off-patent for many decades, generic versions are typically very affordable and just as effective as brand-name products. You can find generic Bacitracin in most pharmacies and grocery stores without a prescription for topical use. For ophthalmic or injectable forms, a prescription is required, but generic options remain the standard. Using the generic version is a cost-effective way to manage minor wound care.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Bacitracin)
> Warning: Stop using Bacitracin and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged use of Bacitracin may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. This is known as a superinfection. If the infection does not clear within 7 to 10 days, or if new symptoms appear, a healthcare provider should re-evaluate the treatment plan.
Parenteral (Injection) Use Only: Bacitracin for injection carries an FDA Black Box Warning regarding nephrotoxicity. The drug can cause renal failure due to tubular and glomerular necrosis. Renal function must be monitored daily during systemic therapy. Fluid intake should be maintained at high levels to reduce the concentration of the drug in the renal tubules.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
For topical use, no specific lab monitoring is required. For systemic (IM) use, healthcare providers will monitor:
Topical Bacitracin does not typically affect the ability to drive. Ophthalmic Bacitracin may cause temporary blurred vision; patients should wait until their vision clears before operating heavy machinery.
There are no known direct interactions between topical Bacitracin and alcohol. However, alcohol can impair wound healing and immune function.
For minor skin infections, treatment is usually stopped once the wound has healed. If a rash or signs of allergy develop, the medication should be discontinued immediately.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Bacitracin.
There are no known food interactions with topical or ophthalmic Bacitracin. For systemic use, maintaining adequate hydration is the primary nutritional concern to protect the kidneys.
No specific herbal interactions have been clinically documented for topical Bacitracin. However, patients using supplements that affect kidney function (such as high-dose creatine) should inform their doctor if systemic Bacitracin is being considered.
Bacitracin does not typically interfere with standard blood or urine laboratory tests, though it may interfere with certain microbiological assays used to identify other bacteria.
For each major interaction, explain:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients allergic to other polypeptide antibiotics (like Polymyxin B) may occasionally show cross-reactivity to Bacitracin. If you have a known 'triple antibiotic' allergy, you should avoid all components until tested by an allergist.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Bacitracin.
Clinical studies of Bacitracin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection for systemic use, and renal function should be monitored.
In patients with impaired renal function, systemic Bacitracin can accumulate rapidly, leading to toxic levels. GFR-based monitoring is essential. Topical use remains safe for most patients with renal disease as long as the skin barrier is relatively intact.
No specific adjustments are documented for hepatic impairment, as Bacitracin is not primarily metabolized by the liver.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
| Half-life | Not well-defined for topical; 1.5–2 hours (Systemic) |
| Tmax | 1–2 hours (after IM injection) |
| Metabolism | None significant |
| Excretion | Renal (10%–40% unchanged) |
Bacitracin is a mixture of related cyclic polypeptides. The main component is Bacitracin A. Its molecular formula is C66H103N17O16S, with a molecular weight of approximately 1422.69 g/mol. It is soluble in water and alcohol but unstable in alkaline solutions.
Bacitracin is classified as a Polypeptide Antibiotic. It is distinct from aminoglycosides, macrolides, and beta-lactams. Related medications include Polymyxin B and Colistin, though their mechanisms and spectra of activity differ.